practice
policy statement on environment and
accessibility
We are conscious of our fundamental duty to act responsibly with respect to the environment locally, globally and for future generations. We are committed to a process of continual learning and active participation in programmes which foster sustainable design acknowledging the inclusive definitions of “sustainable design”.
We are interested in established theoretical frameworks, like the Hannover Principles, and emerging ones. We see our roles as architects, designers and specifiers, as being placed in a key position of making a positive contribution to the environment ą not only through the selection of appropriate materials, but also through the implementation of good principles of design particularly in relation to the public realm and urban conditions.
Our objective is to:
- Raise the awareness of environmental issues both in design and in the workplace for our staff, clients, colleagues and ourselves.
- Maintain a positive practice of educating staff about developments in environmentally conscious design particularly as it relates to the specification of materials and products.
- Ensure compliance with the relevant environmental legislation when applicable.
- Endeavour to find appropriate design solutions which have the ‘best-fit’ possible in the presence of competing agendas.
- Employ fundamental principles of good design which maximise cost effective solutions like passive solar gain and re-use of existing buildings.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle as much as is practicable in our own office workings.
- Ensuring that if disposal is the only viable option, that it is done in a responsible, appropriate and legal manner.
- Encourage staff to adopt environmentally conscious lifestyles using public transport when possible.
- Continue to obtain the practice’s electrical supply from wind energy.
We are conscious of our pivotal role in forming the built environment for all in an inclusive and equitable manner. Our specific interest in public buildings and spaces has helped our awareness of how important ensuring the members of the public can use, understand and navigate through our schemes.
We are aware of our responsibilities set out under the Building Control Acts as it relates to the implementation of accessible design. In addition to these responsibilities, we employ the best practice guidelines set out in alternative sources, like Buildings for Everyone.
We see the implementation of universal access for all as a goal to be attained both to the letter of our obligations and in spirit.
All employees are responsible for playing their part in the implementation of this policy.
The partners are responsible for ensuring that the practice meets the standards set out in this policy statement. They review and amend this statement annually and on foot of legislative changes to ensure that it is updated responsibly.
This policy statement is displayed above the photocopier in the office in a key location. A copy of the statement is issued to every member of staff upon commencement of employment.
No formal notices or legal proceedings have been taken against this practice in respect of either our role as employers nor as designers.
We are conscious of our fundamental duty to act responsibly with respect to the environment locally, globally and for future generations. We are committed to a process of continual learning and active participation in programmes which foster sustainable design acknowledging the inclusive definitions of “sustainable design”.
We are interested in established theoretical frameworks, like the Hannover Principles, and emerging ones. We see our roles as architects, designers and specifiers, as being placed in a key position of making a positive contribution to the environment ą not only through the selection of appropriate materials, but also through the implementation of good principles of design particularly in relation to the public realm and urban conditions.
Our objective is to:
- Raise the awareness of environmental issues both in design and in the workplace for our staff, clients, colleagues and ourselves.
- Maintain a positive practice of educating staff about developments in environmentally conscious design particularly as it relates to the specification of materials and products.
- Ensure compliance with the relevant environmental legislation when applicable.
- Endeavour to find appropriate design solutions which have the ‘best-fit’ possible in the presence of competing agendas.
- Employ fundamental principles of good design which maximise cost effective solutions like passive solar gain and re-use of existing buildings.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle as much as is practicable in our own office workings.
- Ensuring that if disposal is the only viable option, that it is done in a responsible, appropriate and legal manner.
- Encourage staff to adopt environmentally conscious lifestyles using public transport when possible.
- Continue to obtain the practice’s electrical supply from wind energy.
We are conscious of our pivotal role in forming the built environment for all in an inclusive and equitable manner. Our specific interest in public buildings and spaces has helped our awareness of how important ensuring the members of the public can use, understand and navigate through our schemes.
We are aware of our responsibilities set out under the Building Control Acts as it relates to the implementation of accessible design. In addition to these responsibilities, we employ the best practice guidelines set out in alternative sources, like Buildings for Everyone.
We see the implementation of universal access for all as a goal to be attained both to the letter of our obligations and in spirit.
All employees are responsible for playing their part in the implementation of this policy.
The partners are responsible for ensuring that the practice meets the standards set out in this policy statement. They review and amend this statement annually and on foot of legislative changes to ensure that it is updated responsibly.
This policy statement is displayed above the photocopier in the office in a key location. A copy of the statement is issued to every member of staff upon commencement of employment.
No formal notices or legal proceedings have been taken against this practice in respect of either our role as employers nor as designers.
